Height adjustable rear grip aiming support for a firearm

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates in general to the field of firearms, and more specifically, to a height adjustable rear grip aiming support for a firearm. The rear grip aiming support may be integrated into an existing rear grip screw hole and chamber of a firearm without having to modify the firearm. The rear grip aiming support includes a tuning pad in cooperation with a height locking wheel and a threaded stud to provide very fine height adjustment tuning to the rear grip of the firearm when it is resting upon a shooting surface (e.g., ground or table). Such fine control provides the accuracy required to place the firearm on target when shooting at long distances. The purpose of the invention is to provide a rear grip aiming support that ultimately improves the accuracy of shooting a firearm while reducing a shooter&#39;s fatigue.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to the field of firearms, and more specifically, to a height adjustable rear grip aiming support for a firearm. The purpose of the invention is to provide an aiming support that can be integrated into an existing rear grip screw hole and chamber of a firearm without modifying the firearm. An additional purpose of the invention is to provide a rear grip aiming support that ultimately improves the accuracy of shooting a firearm while reducing a shooter's fatigue.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Shooting sports, including hunting, target, trap and skeet shooting, involve tests of accuracy, speed, and proficiency using various types of firearms. Marksmanship may be improved using a bipod or tripod fastened onto one end of the firearm, typically the barrel end of a rifle or shotgun. Utilizing a bipod or tripod increases stability and reduces barrel motion caused by inexperience of the shooter, pull of the trigger, and/or external factors. The typical bipod or tripod has two positions: a stored position with legs folded against and parallel to the barrel of a firearm; and, a supporting position wherein legs are unfolded and perpendicular to the barrel of a firearm. In the supporting position, legs are usually splayed to form a triangular shape, wherein an apex of the triangle is adjacent to the barrel of the firearm to provide maximum stability when resting on a shooting surface (e.g., ground or table).

Not only are bipods and tripods used to improve shooting accuracy and proficiency, they also assist in reducing shooting fatigue. Shooting sports are enjoyed by men and women of all ages, professions and walks of life. Today more than one million youth participate in shooting sports events throughout the United States in various organizations such as 4-H, the Boy Scouts of America, the American Legion, U.S. Jaycees, NCAA, the Scholastic Clay Target Program, National Guard Bureau. ROTC, and JROTC. Many individuals who enjoy the shooting sports are retirees, including former police officers and military veterans. One of the many benefits of shooting is that the sport may be enjoyed by young and old alike, including individuals who live with physical handicaps. Thus, a supporting bipod or tripod may assist such individuals in improving accuracy, lowering risks of injury, and reducing shooting fatigue.

Unfortunately, bipods and tripods are not without faults. For example bipods and tripods are bulky when in use and increase the overall weight of a firearm. This makes the firearm particularly inconvenient to move and aim. Bipods and tripods also have multiple moving parts that require frequent cleaning to ensure proper functionality. Moreover, because bipods and tripods are typically attached to the barrel end of a firearm to stabilize the shooting end, the opposite end or buttstock remains unstabilized. This omission requires a shooter to elevate the rear of a firearm via its rear grip to aim and shoot properly, thus, reducing accuracy and causing shooter fatigue.

Thus, a desire remains to develop a rear grip aiming support for a firearm that may be used separately or in conjunction with a bipod or tripod to improve shooting accuracy and proficiency, and assist in reducing a shooter's fatigue. A desire also remains to develop an aiming support that is height adjustable to be compatible with shooters of varying sizes and ages. A further desire remains to develop an aiming support that is convenient, easy to maintain, and that may be integrated into an existing rear grip screw hole and chamber of a firearm without having to modify the firearm.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is a principal object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention to overcome the aforementioned deficiencies in the art and provide a rear grip aiming support for a firearm that improves shooting accuracy and proficiency.

Another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention is to provide a rear grip aiming support for a firearm that reduces a shooter's fatigue while shooting for extended periods of time.

Yet another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention is to provide a rear grip aiming support for a firearm that is height adjustable to be compatible with shooters of varying sizes and ages.

A further object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention is to provide a rear grip aiming support for a firearm that will be easy to use by shooters of all ages and physical capabilities.

A still further object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention is to provide a rear grip aiming support for a firearm that may be used separately or in conjunction with a bipod or tripod attached to the barrel end of the firearm.

Another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention is to provide a rear grip aiming support for a firearm that is convenient to clean and maintain.

Yet another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention is to provide an aiming support that may be integrated into an existing rear grip screw hole and chamber of a firearm without having to modify the firearm.

These and/or other objects, features, and/or advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The present invention is not to be limited to or by these objects, features, and advantages. No single aspect need provide each and every object, feature, or advantage.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a height adjustable rear grip aiming support for a rear grip of a firearm includes a support rod, a threaded screw located at a proximal end of the support rod, a threaded stud located at an opposite distal end of the support rod, and a height locking wheel located on the threaded stud. The rear grip aiming support also includes a tuning pad located at the bottom of the threaded stud. The tuning pad may in the shape of a round rubber plug that fits over the end of the threaded stud and is configured to contact the shooting surface. The tuning pad in cooperation with the height locking wheel and the threaded stud are designed to provide very fine height adjustment tuning to the rear grip of the firearm when resting upon a shooting surface (e.g., ground or table). Notably, the rear grip aiming support may be integrated into an existing rear grip screw hole and chamber of a firearm—without having to modify the firearm. The rear grip aiming support may be used separately or in conjunction with a bipod or tripod attached to the barrel end of the firearm to improve shooting accuracy and proficiency, and assist in reducing a shooter's fatigue.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a height adjustable rear grip aiming support for a rear grip of a firearm includes a support rod, a threaded screw located at a proximal end of the support rod, a threaded stud located at an opposite distal end of the support rod, and a height locking wheel located on the threaded stud. The rear grip aiming support also includes a ball-and-socket joint and a tuning pad located at the bottom of the threaded stud. The tuning pad may be attached to the bottom of the threaded stud via the ball-and-socket joint, wherein the ball-and-socket joint is configured to provide optimal movement for the tuning pad to contact the shooting surface. The tuning pad in cooperation with the height locking wheel and the threaded stud are designed to provide very fine height adjustment tuning to the rear grip of the firearm when resting upon a shooting surface (e.g., ground or table). Notably, the rear grip aiming support may be integrated into an existing rear grip screw hole and chamber of a firearm—without having to modify the firearm. The rear grip aiming support may be used separately or in conjunction with a bipod or tripod attached to the barrel end of the firearm to improve shooting accuracy and proficiency, and assist in reducing a shooter's fatigue.

According to a further aspect of the present invention a method of shooting using a height adjustable rear grip aiming support for a rear grip of a firearm is provided. The method includes providing a firearm, such as rifle or shotgun, to a shooter. The method further comprises providing a height adjustable rear grip aiming support for a firearm. The rear grip aiming support includes a support rod, a threaded screw located at a proximal end of the support rod, a threaded stud located at an opposite distal end of the support rod, and a height locking wheel located on the threaded stud. The rear grip aiming support also includes a tuning pad located at the bottom of the threaded stud, wherein the tuning pad is configured to contact the shooting surface. Alternatively, a ball-and-socket joint may also be provided. The tuning pad may be attached to the bottom of the threaded stud via the ball-and-socket joint, wherein the ball-and-socket joint is configured to provide optimal movement for the tuning pad to contact the shooting surface. The tuning pad in cooperation with the height locking wheel and the threaded stud are designed to provide very fine height adjustment tuning to the rear grip of the firearm when resting upon a shooting surface (e.g., ground or table). Notably, the method of shooting comprises integrating the rear grip aiming support into an existing rear grip screw hole and chamber of a firearm—without modifying the firearm. The method of shooting further comprises resting the tuning pad upon the shooting surface to support the rear grip of the firearm. The method of shooting also comprises aiming the firearm at a target by tuning the threaded stud via the tuning pad and locking the threaded stud in position via the height locking wheel. The method of shooting next comprises firing the firearm by pulling a trigger while the firearm is supported on the shooting surface via the rear grip aiming support.

Different aspects may meet different objects of the invention. Other objectives and advantages of this invention will be more apparent in the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the figures. The present invention is not to be limited by or to these objects or aspects.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIGS. 1-5 represent examples of height adjustable rear grip aiming supports of the present invention, and a method of shooting utilizing the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a typical bipod or tripod fastened onto the barrel end of a rifle or shotgun.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a rear grip aiming support of the present invention for a firearm.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the aiming support of FIG. 2 attached to a rear grip of a firearm.

FIG. 4 is an exploded assembly view of the aiming support of FIG. 3 attached to a rear grip of a firearm.

FIG. 5 is a side view of another aspect of a rear grip aiming support of the present invention for a firearm.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a typical bipod 10 fastened onto the forward end or barrel 12 of a firearm 14, such as a rifle or shotgun. An alternative means of stabilizing the forward end of the firearm 14 may also be utilized, such as utilizing a monopod, tripod, grip handle, or field object (not shown). As shown in FIG. 1, the bipod 10 is in a supporting position wherein two legs 16 are unfolded and reside perpendicular to the barrel 12 of the firearm 14. In the supporting position, the legs 16 are splayed to form a triangular shape, wherein an apex of the triangle is adjacent to the barrel 12 of the firearm 14 to provide maximum stability. As further shown in FIG. 1, the rear end or buttstock 18 of the firearm 14 remains unstabilized and resting upon a shooting surface 20 (e.g., ground or table). This omission requires a shooter to elevate the rear of the firearm 14 via its rear grip 22 to aim and shoot properly. Manually raising the rear of the firearm 14 without proper stabilization results in poorer accuracy and increased shooter fatigue over long periods of shooting.

FIG. 2 illustrates one aspect of a height adjustable rear grip aiming support 24 of the present invention for a rear grip 26 of a firearm 14 that may be used in conjunction with the bipod 10, a tripod, or used separately. The rear grip aiming support 24 may comprise a support rod 28. The support rod 28 may be approximately 1.5-3 inches in length and ¼-¾ inches in width. The support rod 28 may be cylindrical in shape, although it is contemplated that other shapes may also be utilized such as square, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, and others. The support rod 28 may be comprised of metal (e.g., aluminum or stainless steel), engineered plastics, or combinations thereof. The support rod 28 may be an integral solid monopod as shown in FIG. 2. Alternatively, the support rod 28 may be comprised of multiple telescoping parts, or multiple legs that splay out when extended such as a bipod or tripod. The support rod 28 may include a screw hole 30 at a proximal end and a stud hole 32 at an opposite distal end.

As further shown in FIG. 2, the rear grip aiming support 24 of the present invention may also comprise a threaded screw 34. The threaded screw 34 is configured in size to fit the screw hole 30, wherein a distal end of the threaded screw 34 may screw inside the screw hole 30. Particularly, the threaded screw 34 may be a ¼-20 inch thread, a ¼-28 inch thread, a 5/16-18 inch thread, or a 35/16-24 inch thread, wherein threads within the screw hole 30 coordinate in size to fit the threads of the threaded screw 34. The threaded screw 34 may be approximately 0.5-2.5 inches in length. A proximal end of the threaded screw 34 may extend approximately 0.5-1.5 inches from the support rod 28 after the distal end of the threaded screw 34 is screwed into the screw hole 30. The threaded screw 34 may be formed separately from the support rod 28 during the manufacturing process, or formed integrally together as one piece. The threaded screw 34 may be mildly magnetic, magnetic, or non-magnetic and comprised of metal (e.g., aluminum or stainless steel), engineered plastics, or combinations thereof.

As further shown in FIG. 2, the rear grip aiming support 24 of the present invention may also comprise a threaded stud 36. The threaded stud 36 is configured in size to fit the stud hole 32 located at the distal end of the support rod 28, wherein the threaded stud 36 may screw inside the stud hole 32. Particularly, the threaded stud 36 may be a ⅜-16 inch thread, a ⅜-24 inch thread, a 5/16-18 inch thread, a 5/16-24 inch thread, a 7/16-14 inch thread, or a 7/16-20 inch thread, wherein threads within the stud hole 32 coordinate in size to fit the threads of the threaded stud 36. The threaded stud 36 may be approximately 2-4 inches in length. The threaded stud 36 may extend approximately 0.5-3 inches from the support rod 28 after the threaded stud 36 is screwed into the stud hole 32. The threaded stud 36 may be mildly magnetic, magnetic, or non-magnetic and comprised of metal (e.g., aluminum or stainless steel), engineered plastics, or combinations thereof.

As further shown in FIG. 2, the rear grip aiming support 24 of the present invention may also comprise a height locking wheel 38 attached to the threaded stud 36. The height locking wheel 38 may be approximately 1-2 inches in diameter and approximately ¼-¾ inches in width. The height locking wheel 38 may further comprise a threaded wheel hole 40 extending though the center of the wheel 38. The threaded wheel hole 40 is configured in size to fit the threaded stud 36, wherein threads within the threaded wheel hole 40 coordinate in size to fit the threads of the threaded stud 36. The threaded stud 36 may screw inside and through the threaded wheel hole 40, wherein the threaded stud 36 may extend through both sides of the wheel 38. The threaded screw 34 may be formed separately from the height locking wheel 38 during the manufacturing process and screwed together thereafter. Alternatively, the threaded screw 34 may be formed integrally together with the height locking wheel 38 as one piece. The height locking wheel 38 may be permanently or temporarily attached to the threaded stud 36. The height locking wheel 38 may further comprise a textured exterior surface 42 around a circumference of the height locking wheel 38 to assist a shooter in gripping and rotating the height locking wheel 38. The height locking wheel 38 may be mildly magnetic, magnetic, or non-magnetic and comprised of metal (e.g., aluminum or stainless steel), engineered plastics, or combinations thereof.

As further shown in FIG. 2, the rear grip aiming support 24 of the present invention may also comprise a tuning pad 44. The tuning pad 44 is located at the bottom of the threaded stud 36, wherein the tuning pad 44 is configured to contact the shooting surface 20 (e.g., ground or table). For illustrative purposes only, the tuning pad 44 may in the shape of a round rubber plug that fits tightly over the end of the threaded stud 36 as shown in FIG. 2. It is contemplated that other tuning pad 44 designs may also be utilized by the present invention (e.g., using spikes, round bases, square bases, triangular bases, etc.). The tuning pad 44 is further configured to provide a gripping surface on the exterior of the tuning pad 44 to allow the shooter to grip and rotate the tuning pad 44. The tuning pad 44 is attached to the threaded stud 36, such that when the shooter rotates the tuning pad 44 via the gripping surface, the threaded stud 36 rotates in correlation. The tuning pad 44 may be temporarily or permanently attached to the threaded stud 36. The tuning pad 44 may be soft, hard, smooth, textured, or combinations thereof to provide optimal traction and cushion for the firearm 14 when resting upon the shooting surface 20. The tuning pad 44 may be made from the same material and formed integrally with the threaded stud 36. Alternatively, the tuning pad 44 may be made of rubber material that is formed separately from the threaded stud 36.

The tuning pad 44 in cooperation with the height locking wheel 38 and threaded stud 36 are designed to provide very fine height adjustment tuning to the rear grip of the firearm 14 when resting upon the shooting surface 20. For example, when the shooter rotates the tuning pad 44 via its gripping surface the threaded stud 38 rotates in correlation. As the threaded stud 36 rotates and moves up or down within the stud hole 32 of the support rod 28, the shooter is able to make—via the tuning pad 44—very small incremental height changes to the rear grip 22 of the firearm 14 when resting upon the shooting surface 20. Fine height adjustment tuning therefore depends upon the size of the threads of the threaded stud 36 within the stud hole 32 of the support rod 28. Once the rear grip 26 is at the desired height and the firearm 14 is on target, the shooter may lock the rear grip aiming support 24 in position using the height locking wheel 38. Rotating the height locking wheel 38 clockwise until the wheel 38 abuts the rear grip 26 of the firearm 14 locks the wheel 38 and the threaded stud 36 in position at the desired height. Rotating the height locking wheel 38 counter-clockwise unlocks the wheel 38 and allows the shooter to make incremental height changes to the rear grip 22 of the firearm 14 by further rotating the tuning pad 44 via its gripping surface. Such fine control provides the accuracy required to place the firearm 14 on target when shooting at long distances.

Illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the height adjustable rear grip aiming support 24 of the present invention may be integrated into an existing rear grip screw hole 46 and chamber 48 of a firearm 14—without having to modify the firearm. For instance, rifles and/or shotguns typically have an existing rear grip screw hole 46 and rear grip chamber 48 for attaching the rear grip 22 to the firearm 14 via a rear grip screw 50. A shooter may remove the rear grip screw 50 from the rear grip screw hole 46 and rear grip chamber 48. The threaded screw 34 and support rod 28 of the present invention may then be inserted into the rear grip chamber 48. A proximal end of the threaded screw 34 may be screwed into the rear grip screw hole 46, wherein the support rod 28 may reside within the rear grip chamber 48. Thus, the threaded screw 34 effectively attaches the rear grip 22 to the firearm 14. The threaded screw 34 may be configured of any size to fit an existing rear grip screw hole 46 for attaching the rear grip 22 to the firearm 14. A washer (not shown) may be inserted in between the threaded screw 34 and the rear grip screw hole 46. For illustrative purposes only, the washer may be a hard fiber flat locking washer for a ⅜ inch screw size, with a 0.625 inch outer diameter, 0.375 inch inner diameter, and between 0.014-0.016 inches thick. It is contemplated that other compatible washer types, sizes, shapes, and configurations may also be utilized by the present invention. Furthermore, a nut 52 may be positioned towards a distal end of the support rod 28, wherein the nut 52 is configured to assist a shooter in screwing the threaded screw 34 into the existing rear grip screw hole 46 of the firearm 14. The nut 52 may be machined from the same material as the support rod 28 and therefore integrally formed together with the support rod 28. Alternatively, the nut 52 may be formed separately from the support rod 28 and permanently or temporarily attached thereafter.

Thus, the rear grip aiming support 24 of the present invention may be used separately or in conjunction with a bipod or tripod fastened onto the barrel 12 end of the firearm 14 to improve shooting accuracy and proficiency, and assist in reducing a shooter's 20 fatigue. The rear grip aiming support 24 of the present invention is height adjustable via the tuning pad 44 in cooperation with the height locking wheel 38 and threaded stud 36 to be compatible with shooters 20 of varying sizes and ages. Moreover, the rear grip aiming support 24 of the present invention may be integrated into an existing rear grip screw hole 46 and chamber 48 without having to modify the firearm 14.

FIG. 5 illustrates another aspect of a height adjustable rear grip aiming support 24 of the present invention for a rear grip 26 of a firearm 14 that may be used in conjunction with the bipod 10, a tripod, or used separately. The rear grip aiming support 24 may comprise a support rod 28. The support rod 28 may be approximately 1.5-3 inches in length and ¼-¾ inches in width. The support rod 28 may be cylindrical in shape, although it is contemplated that other shapes may also be utilized such as square, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, and others. The support rod 28 may be comprised of metal (e.g., aluminum or stainless steel), engineered plastics, or combinations thereof. The support rod 28 may be an integral solid monopod as shown in FIG. 2. Alternatively, the support rod 28 may be comprised of multiple telescoping parts, or multiple legs that splay out when extended such as a bipod or tripod. The support rod 28 may include a screw hole 30 at a proximal end and a stud hole 32 at an opposite distal end.

As further shown in FIG. 5, the rear grip aiming support 24 of the present invention may also comprise a threaded screw 34. The threaded screw 34 is configured in size to fit the screw hole 30, wherein a distal end of the threaded screw 34 may screw inside the screw hole 30. Particularly, the threaded screw 34 may be a ¼-20 inch thread, a ¼-28 inch thread, a 5/16-18 inch thread, or a 5/16-24 inch thread, wherein threads within the screw hole 30 coordinate in size to fit the threads of the threaded screw 34. The threaded screw 34 may be approximately 0.5-2.5 inches in length. A proximal end of the threaded screw 34 may extend approximately 0.5-1.5 inches from the support rod 28 after the distal end of the threaded screw 34 is screwed into the screw hole 30. The threaded screw 34 may be formed separately from the support rod 28 during the manufacturing process, or formed integrally together as one piece. The threaded screw 34 may be mildly magnetic, magnetic, or non-magnetic and comprised of metal (e.g., aluminum or stainless steel), engineered plastics, or combinations thereof.

As further shown in FIG. 5, the rear grip aiming support 24 of the present invention may also comprise a threaded stud 36. The threaded stud 36 is configured in size to fit the stud hole 32 located at the distal end of the support rod 28, wherein the threaded stud 36 may screw inside the stud hole 32. Particularly, the threaded stud 36 may be a ⅜-16 inch thread, a ⅜-24 inch thread, a 5/16-18 inch thread, a 5/16-24 inch thread, a 7/16-14 inch thread, or a 7/16-20 inch thread, wherein threads within the stud hole 32 coordinate in size to fit the threads of the threaded stud 36. The threaded stud 36 may be approximately 2-4 inches in length. The threaded stud 36 may extend approximately 0.5-3 inches from the support rod 28 after the threaded stud 36 is screwed into the stud hole 32. The threaded stud 36 may be mildly magnetic, magnetic, or non-magnetic and comprised of metal (e.g., aluminum or stainless steel), engineered plastics, or combinations thereof.

As further shown in FIG. 5, the rear grip aiming support 24 of the present invention may also comprise a height locking wheel 38 attached to the threaded stud 36. The height locking wheel 38 may be approximately 1-2 inches in diameter and approximately ¼-¾ inches in width. The height locking wheel 38 may further comprise a threaded wheel hole 40 extending though the center of the wheel 38. The threaded wheel hole 40 is configured in size to fit the threaded stud 36, wherein threads within the threaded wheel hole 40 coordinate in size to fit the threads of the threaded stud 36. The threaded stud 36 may screw inside and through the threaded wheel hole 40, wherein the threaded stud 36 may extend through both sides of the wheel 38. The threaded screw 34 may be formed separately from the height locking wheel 38 during the manufacturing process and screwed together thereafter. Alternatively, the threaded screw 34 may be formed integrally together with the height locking wheel 38 as one piece. The height locking wheel 38 may be permanently or temporarily attached to the threaded stud 36. The height locking wheel 38 may further comprise a textured exterior surface 54 around a circumference of the height locking wheel 38 to assist a shooter in gripping and rotating the height locking wheel 38. The height locking wheel 38 may be mildly magnetic, magnetic, or non-magnetic and comprised of metal (e.g., aluminum or stainless steel), engineered plastics, or combinations thereof.

As further shown in FIG. 5, the rear grip aiming support 24 of the present invention may also comprise a ball-and-socket joint 54 and a tuning pad 44. The tuning pad 44 is attached to the bottom of the threaded stud 36 via the ball-and-socket joint 54, wherein the tuning pad 44 is configured to contact the shooting surface 20 (e.g., ground or table). The ball-and-socket joint 54 is configured to provide optimal movement for the tuning pad 44 to contact the shooting surface 20. For illustrative purposes only, the tuning pad 44 may have an expanded, flat base to provide maximum surface area contacting the shooting surface 20. It is contemplated that other tuning pad 44 designs may also be utilized by the present invention (e.g., using spikes, square bases, round bases, triangular bases, etc.). The tuning pad 44 is further configured to provide a gripping surface on the exterior of the tuning pad 44 to allow the shooter to grip and rotate the tuning pad 44. The tuning pad 44 is attached to the threaded stud 36 via the ball-and-socket joint 54, such that when the shooter rotates the tuning pad 44 via its gripping surface, the threaded stud 36 rotates in correlation. The tuning pad 44 may be temporarily or permanently attached to the threaded stud 36 via the ball-and-socket joint 54. The tuning pad 44 may be soft, hard, smooth, textured, or combinations thereof to provide optimal traction and cushion for the firearm 14 when resting upon the shooting surface 20. The tuning pad 44 may be made from the same material and formed integrally with the ball-and-socket joint 54 and the threaded stud 36. Alternatively, the tuning pad 44 may be made of rubber material that is formed separately from the ball-and-socket joint 54 and the threaded stud 36.

The tuning pad 44 in cooperation with the height locking wheel 38 and threaded stud 36 are designed to provide very fine height adjustment tuning to the rear grip of the firearm 14 when resting upon the shooting surface 20. For example, when the shooter rotates the tuning pad 44 via its gripping surface the threaded stud 38 rotates in correlation. As the threaded stud 36 rotates and moves up or down within the stud hole 32 of the support rod 28, the shooter is able to make—via the tuning pad 44—very small incremental height changes to the rear grip 22 of the firearm 14 when resting upon the shooting surface 20. Fine height adjustment tuning therefore depends upon the size of the threads of the threaded stud 36 within the stud hole 32 of the support rod 28. Once the rear grip 26 is at the desired height and the firearm 14 is on target, the shooter may lock the rear grip aiming support 24 in position using the height locking wheel 38. Rotating the height locking wheel 38 clockwise until the wheel 38 abuts the rear grip 26 of the firearm 14 locks the wheel 38 and the threaded stud 36 in position at the desired height. Rotating the height locking wheel 38 counter-clockwise unlocks the wheel 38 and allows the shooter to make incremental height changes to the rear grip 22 of the firearm 14 by further rotating the tuning pad 44 via its gripping surface. Such fine control provides the accuracy required to place the firearm 14 on target when shooting at long distances.

Illustrated in FIGS. 4-5, the height adjustable rear grip aiming support 24 of the present invention may be integrated into an existing rear grip screw hole 46 and chamber 48 of a firearm 14—without having to modify the firearm. For instance, rifles and/or shotguns typically have an existing rear grip screw hole 46 and rear grip chamber 48 for attaching the rear grip 22 to the firearm 14 via a rear grip screw 50. A shooter may remove the rear grip screw 50 from the rear grip screw hole 46 and rear grip chamber 48. The threaded screw 34 and support rod 28 of the present invention may then be inserted into the rear grip chamber 48. A proximal end of the threaded screw 34 may be screwed into the rear grip screw hole 46, wherein the support rod 28 may reside within the rear grip chamber 48. Thus, the threaded screw 34 effectively attaches the rear grip 22 to the firearm 14. The threaded screw 34 may be configured of any size to fit an existing rear grip screw hole 46 for attaching the rear grip 22 to the firearm 14. A washer (not shown) may be inserted in between the threaded screw 34 and the rear grip screw hole 46. For illustrative purposes only, the washer may be a hard fiber flat locking washer for a ⅜ inch screw size, with a 0.625 inch outer diameter, 0.375 inch inner diameter, and between 0.014-0.016 inches thick. It is contemplated that other compatible washer types, sizes, shapes, and configurations may also be utilized by the present invention. Furthermore, a nut 52 may be positioned towards a distal end of the support rod 28, wherein the nut 52 is configured to assist a shooter in screwing the threaded screw 34 into the existing rear grip screw hole 46 of the firearm 14. The nut 52 may be machined from the same material as the support rod 28 and therefore integrally formed together with the support rod 28. Alternatively, the nut 52 may be formed separately from the support rod 28 and permanently or temporarily attached thereafter.

Thus, the rear grip aiming support 24 of the present invention may be used separately or in conjunction with a bipod or tripod fastened onto the barrel 12 end of the firearm 14 to improve shooting accuracy and proficiency, and assist in reducing a shooter's 20 fatigue. The rear grip aiming support 24 of the present invention is height adjustable via the tuning pad 44 in cooperation with the height locking wheel 38 and threaded stud 36 to be compatible with shooters 20 of varying sizes and ages. Moreover, the rear grip aiming support 24 of the present invention may be integrated into an existing rear grip screw hole 46 and chamber 48 without having to modify the firearm 14.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate another aspect of the present invention, a method of shooting using a height adjustable rear grip aiming support 24 for a rear grip 26 of a firearm 14. The method of shooting comprises providing a firearm 14, such as rifle or shotgun, to a shooter. Rifles and/or shotguns often have an existing rear grip screw hole 46 and rear grip chamber 48 for attaching the rear grip 22 to the firearm 14 via a rear grip screw 50. The method of shooting includes removing the rear grip screw 50 from the rear grip screw hole 46 and the rear grip chamber 48.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the method further comprises providing a height adjustable rear grip aiming support 24. The rear grip aiming support 24 may comprise a support rod 28. The support rod 28 may be approximately 1.5-3 inches in length and ¼-¾ inches in width. The support rod 28 may be cylindrical in shape, although it is contemplated that other shapes may also be utilized such as square, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, and others. The support rod 28 may be comprised of metal (e.g., aluminum or stainless steel), engineered plastics, or combinations thereof. The support rod 28 may be an integral solid monopod as shown in FIG. 2. Alternatively, the support rod 28 may be comprised of multiple telescoping parts, or multiple legs that splay out when extended such as a bipod or tripod. The support rod 28 may include a screw hole 30 at a proximal end and a stud hole 32 at an opposite distal end.

As further shown in FIG. 2, the rear grip aiming support 24 may also comprise a threaded screw 34. The threaded screw 34 is configured in size to fit the screw hole 30, wherein a distal end of the threaded screw 34 may screw inside the screw hole 30. Particularly, the threaded screw 34 may be a ¼-20 inch thread, a ¼-28 inch thread, a 5/16-18 inch thread, or a 5/16-24 inch thread, wherein threads within the screw hole 30 coordinate in size to fit the threads of the threaded screw 34. The threaded screw 34 may be approximately 0.5-2.5 inches in length. A proximal end of the threaded screw 34 may extend approximately 0.5-1.5 inches from the support rod 28 after the distal end of the threaded screw 34 is screwed into the screw hole 30. The threaded screw 34 may be formed separately from the support rod 28 during the manufacturing process, or formed integrally together as one piece. The threaded screw 34 may be mildly magnetic, magnetic, or non-magnetic and comprised of metal (e.g., aluminum or stainless steel), engineered plastics, or combinations thereof.

As further shown in FIG. 2, the rear grip aiming support 24 may also comprise a threaded stud 36. The threaded stud 36 is configured in size to fit the stud hole 32 located at the distal end of the support rod 28, wherein the threaded stud 36 may screw inside the stud hole 32. Particularly, the threaded stud 36 may be a ⅜-16 inch thread, a ⅜-24 inch thread, a 5/16-18 inch thread, a 5/16-24 inch thread, a 7/16-14 inch thread, or a 7/16-20 inch thread, wherein threads within the stud hole 32 coordinate in size to fit the threads of the threaded stud 36. The threaded stud 36 may be approximately 2-4 inches in length. The threaded stud 36 may extend approximately 0.5-3 inches from the support rod 28 after the threaded stud 36 is screwed into the stud hole 32. The threaded stud 36 may be mildly magnetic, magnetic, or non-magnetic and comprised of metal (e.g., aluminum or stainless steel), engineered plastics, or combinations thereof.

As further shown in FIG. 2, the rear grip aiming support 24 may also comprise a height locking wheel 38 attached to the threaded stud 36. The height locking wheel 38 may be approximately 1-2 inches in diameter and approximately ¼-¾ inches in width. The height locking wheel 38 may further comprise a threaded wheel hole 40 extending though the center of the wheel 38. The threaded wheel hole 40 is configured in size to fit the threaded stud 36, wherein threads within the threaded wheel hole 40 coordinate in size to fit the threads of the threaded stud 36. The threaded stud 36 may screw inside and through the threaded wheel hole 40, wherein the threaded stud 36 may extend through both sides of the wheel 38, the threaded stud 36 is formed separately from the height locking wheel 38 during the manufacturing process and screwed together thereafter. Alternatively, the threaded stud 36 may be formed integrally together with the height locking wheel 38 as one piece. The height locking wheel 38 may be permanently or temporarily attached to the threaded stud 36. The height locking wheel 38 may further comprise a textured exterior surface 54 around a circumference of the height locking wheel 38 to assist a shooter in gripping and rotating the height locking wheel 38. The height locking wheel 38 may be mildly magnetic, magnetic, or non-magnetic and comprised of metal (e.g., aluminum or stainless steel), engineered plastics, or combinations thereof.

As further shown in FIG. 2, the rear grip aiming support 24 may also comprise a tuning pad 44. The tuning pad 44 is located at the bottom of the threaded stud 36, wherein the tuning pad 44 is configured to contact a shooting surface 20 (e.g., ground or table). Alternatively, the tuning pad 44 may be attached to the bottom of the threaded stud 36 via a ball-and-socket joint 54. The tuning pad 44 is further configured to provide a gripping surface on the exterior of the tuning pad 44 to allow the shooter to grip and rotate the tuning pad 44. The tuning pad 44 is attached to the threaded stud 36, such that when the shooter rotates the tuning pad 44 via its gripping surface, the threaded stud 36 rotates in correlation. The tuning pad 44 may be temporarily or permanently attached to the threaded stud 36. The tuning pad 44 may be soft, hard, smooth, textured, or combinations thereof to provide optimal traction and cushion for the firearm 14 when resting upon the shooting surface 20. The tuning pad 44 may be made from the same material and formed integrally with the threaded stud 36. Alternatively, the tuning pad 44 may be made of rubber material that is formed separately from the threaded stud 36. For illustrative purposes only, the tuning pad 44 may in the shape of a round rubber plug that fits over the end of the threaded stud 36 as shown in FIG. 2. When used in conjunction with the ball-and-socket joint 54, the tuning pad 44 may have an expanded, flat base to provide maximum surface area contacting the shooting surface 20. It is contemplated that other tuning pad 44 designs may also be utilized by the present invention (e.g., using spikes, round bases, square bases, triangular bases, etc.).

The tuning pad 44 in cooperation with the height locking wheel 38 and threaded stud 36 are designed to provide very fine height adjustment tuning to the rear grip of the firearm 14 when resting upon the shooting surface 20. For example, when the shooter rotates the tuning pad 44 via its gripping surface the threaded stud 38 rotates in correlation. As the threaded stud 36 rotates and moves up or down within the stud hole 32 of the support rod 28, the shooter is able to make—via the tuning pad 44—very small incremental height changes to the rear grip 22 of the firearm 14 when resting upon the shooting surface 20. Fine height adjustment tuning therefore depends upon the size of the threads of the threaded stud 36 within the stud hole 32 of the support rod 28. Once the rear grip 26 is at the desired height and the firearm 14 is on target, the shooter may lock the rear grip aiming support 24 in position using the height locking wheel 38. Rotating the height locking wheel 38 clockwise until the wheel 38 abuts the rear grip 26 of the firearm 14 locks the wheel 38 and the threaded stud 36 in position at the desired height. Rotating the height locking wheel 38 counter-clockwise unlocks the wheel 38 and allows the shooter to make incremental height changes to the rear grip 22 of the firearm 14 by further rotating the tuning pad 44 via its gripping surface. Such fine control provides the accuracy required to place the firearm 14 on target when shooting at long distances.

Illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the method of shooting using the rear grip aiming support 24 further comprises integrating the rear grip aiming support 24 into the existing rear grip screw hole 46 and chamber 48 of the firearm 14—without modifying the firearm. The method comprises inserting the threaded screw 34 and support rod 28 into the rear grip chamber 48. A proximal end of the threaded screw 34 may be screwed into the rear grip screw hole 46, wherein the support rod 28 may reside within the rear grip chamber 48. Thus, the threaded screw 34 effectively attaches the rear grip 22 to the firearm 14. The threaded screw 34 may be configured of any size to fit an existing rear grip screw hole 46 for attaching the rear grip 22 to the firearm 14. A washer (not shown) may be inserted in between the threaded screw 34 and the rear grip screw hole 46. For illustrative purposes only, the washer may be a hard fiber flat locking washer for a ⅜ inch screw size, with a 0.625 inch outer diameter, 0.375 inch inner diameter, and between 0.014-0.016 inches thick. It is contemplated that other compatible washer types, sizes, shapes, and configurations may also be utilized by the present invention. Furthermore, a nut 52 may be positioned towards a distal end of the support rod 28, wherein the method includes using the nut 52 to assist in screwing the threaded screw 34 into the existing rear grip screw hole 46 of the firearm 14. The nut 52 may be machined from the same material as the support rod 28 and therefore integrally formed together with the support rod 28. Alternatively, the nut 52 may be formed separately from the support rod 28 and permanently or temporarily attached thereafter.

As further shown in FIGS. 4-5, the method of shooting using rear grip aiming support 24 further comprises resting the tuning pad 44 upon the shooting surface 20 to support the rear grip. The method of shooting further comprises tuning the tuning pad 44 in cooperation with the height locking wheel 38 and threaded stud 36 to provide very fine height adjustment tuning to the rear grip of the firearm 14 when resting upon the shooting surface 20. Once the rear grip 26 is at the desired height and the firearm 14 is on target, the method of shooting using the rear grip aiming support 24 includes locking the rear grip aiming support 24 in position using the height locking wheel 38. The method of shooting next comprises firing the firearm 14 at the target by pulling a trigger while the firearm 14 is supported on the shooting surface 20 via the height adjustable rear grip aiming support 24.

The method of shooting using the rear grip aiming support 24 may be used separately or in conjunction with a bipod or tripod fastened onto the barrel 12 end of the firearm 14 to improve shooting accuracy and proficiency, and assist in reducing a shooter's 20 fatigue. The method of shooting using the rear grip aiming support 24 is height adjustable via the tuning pad 44 in cooperation with the height locking wheel 38 and threaded stud 36 to be compatible with shooters 20 of varying sizes and ages. Moreover, the method of shooting using the rear grip aiming support 24 may be integrated into an existing rear grip screw hole 46 and chamber 48 without having to modify the firearm 14.

The rear grip aiming support 24 of the present invention and method of shooting are universally applicable to firearms, particularly rifles, shotguns, pistols and revolvers, of all shapes and sizes, makes, models, and manufacturers. Furthermore, while intended for target shooting, the rear grip aiming support 24 of the present invention and method of shooting may be used for all manner of shooting sports, including hunting, target, trap and skeet shooting. Although the invention has been described and illustrated with respect to preferred aspects thereof, it is not to be so limited since changes and modifications may be made therein which are within the full intended scope of the invention. 

1: A height adjustable rear grip aiming support for a firearm, comprising: a support rod; a threaded screw attached to a proximal end of the support rod; a threaded stud attached to a distal end of the support rod; a height locking wheel attached to the threaded stud; a tuning pad attached to the threaded stud; the tuning pad configured such that when a shooter rotates the tuning pad, the threaded stud rotates in correlation inside the support rod causing incremental height changes to the rear grip of the firearm when resting upon the shooting surface; and the height locking wheel configured to abut a rear grip of the firearm to lock the rear grip aiming support in position at a desired height as the tuning pad is resting upon the shooting surface; wherein the rear grip aiming support is integrated into an existing rear grip screw hole and rear grip chamber of the firearm. 2: The height adjustable rear grip aiming support for a firearm of claim 1, further comprising: a screw hole at a proximal end of the support rod; and a stud hole at an opposite distal end of the support rod. 3: The height adjustable rear grip aiming support of claim 2, wherein the threaded screw attaches to the proximal end of the support rod via the screw hole. 4: The height adjustable rear grip aiming support of claim 3, wherein the threaded stud attaches to the distal end of the support rod via the stud hole. 5: The height adjustable rear grip aiming support of claim 1, wherein the support rod is 1.5-3 inches in length and ¼-¾ inches in width. 6: The height adjustable rear grip aiming support of claim 5, wherein the threaded screw comprises a ¼-20 inch thread, a ¼-28 inch thread, a 5/16-18 inch thread, or a 5/16-24 inch thread. 7: The height adjustable rear grip aiming support of claim 6, wherein the threaded stud comprises a ⅜-16 inch thread, a ⅜-24 inch thread, a 5/16-18 inch thread, or a 5/16-24 inch thread. 8: The height adjustable rear grip aiming support of claim 1, further comprising: a threaded wheel hole extending through the center of the height locking wheel; wherein the threaded wheel hole is configured in size to fit the threaded stud; wherein the threaded stud is configured to screw inside and through the threaded wheel hole of the height locking wheel; wherein the threaded stud extends through both sides of the height locking wheel.
 9. (canceled) 10: The height adjustable rear grip aiming support of claim 1, further comprising: a textured exterior surface around the height locking wheel; wherein the textured exterior surface is configured to assist a shooter in gripping and rotating the height locking wheel. 11: The height adjustable rear grip aiming support of claim 1, wherein the tuning pad comprises a rubber plug that fits over a distal end of the threaded stud. 12: The height adjustable rear grip aiming support of claim 1, further comprising: a ball-and-socket joint; wherein the tuning pad is attached to the threaded stud via the ball-and-socket joint. 13: The height adjustable rear grip aiming support of claim 1, wherein integrating the rear grip aiming support into an existing rear grip screw hole and rear grip chamber of the firearm comprises: removing a rear grip screw from the rear grip screw hole and rear grip chamber of the firearm; inserting the threaded screw into the rear grip chamber and rear grip screw hole; and screwing a proximal end of the threaded screw into the rear grip screw hole; wherein the threaded screw attaches the rear grip aiming support to the firearm; wherein the threaded screw further attaches the rear grip to the firearm. 14: The height adjustable rear grip aiming support of claim 13, further comprising: a nut positioned towards a distal end of the support rod; wherein the nut is configured to assist in screwing the threaded screw into the rear grip screw hole of the firearm. 15: A height adjustable rear grip aiming support for a firearm, comprising: a support rod; a screw hole at a proximal end of the support rod; a stud hole at an opposite distal end of the support rod; a threaded screw attached to the proximal end of the support rod; a threaded stud attached to the opposite distal end of the support rod; a height locking wheel attached to the threaded stud; a tuning pad attached to the threaded stud; a gripping portion on the exterior of the tuning pad configured for a shooter to grip and rotate the tuning pad; the tuning pad configured such that when the shooter rotates the tuning pad, the threaded stud rotates in correlation inside the support rod causing incremental height changes to the rear grip of the firearm when resting upon a shooting surface; and the height locking wheel configured to abut a rear grip of the firearm to lock the rear grip aiming support in position at a desired height as the tuning pad is resting upon the shooting surface; wherein the threaded screw attaches to the proximal end of the support rod via the screw hole; wherein the threaded stud attaches to the opposite distal end of the support rod via the stud hole; wherein the rear grip aiming support is integrated into an existing rear grip screw hole and rear grip chamber of the firearm. 16: The height adjustable rear grip aiming support for a firearm of claim 15, further comprising: a textured exterior surface on the height locking wheel configured to assist a shooter in gripping and rotating the height locking wheel; and a threaded wheel hole extending through the center of the height locking wheel; wherein the threaded wheel hole is configured in size to fit the threaded stud; wherein the threaded stud screws inside and through the threaded wheel hole of the height locking wheel; wherein the threaded stud extends through both sides of the height locking wheel. 17: The height adjustable rear grip aiming support of claim 15, further comprising: a ball-and-socket joint; wherein the tuning pad is attached to the threaded stud via the ball-and-socket joint. 18: The height adjustable rear grip aiming support of claim 15, wherein integrating the rear grip aiming support into an existing rear grip screw hole and rear grip chamber of the firearm comprises: (a) removing a rear grip screw from the rear grip screw hole and rear grip chamber of the firearm; (b) inserting the threaded screw into the rear grip chamber and rear grip screw hole; and (c) screwing a proximal end of the threaded screw into the rear grip screw hole; wherein the threaded screw attaches the rear grip aiming support to the firearm; wherein the threaded screw further attaches the rear grip to the firearm; wherein a nut positioned towards a distal end of the support rod is configured to assist in screwing the threaded screw into the rear grip screw hole of the firearm. 19: A method of shooting a firearm using a height adjustable rear grip aiming support, comprising: providing a firearm with a rear grip; removing a rear grip screw from an existing rear grip screw hole and rear grip chamber of the firearm; providing the height adjustable rear grip aiming support of claim 15; inserting an optional locking washer between the threaded screw and the rear grip screw hole; integrating the rear grip aiming support into the existing rear grip screw hole and rear grip chamber of the firearm; resting the tuning pad of the rear grip aiming support of claim 1 on a shooting surface to stabilize and support the firearm; grasping the gripping portion on the tuning pad; rotating the tuning pad via the gripping portion, the tuning pad configured such that when a shooter rotates the tuning pad via the gripping portion the threaded stud rotates in correlation inside the support rod; rotating the threaded stud inside the support rod in correlation with the rotating tuning pad; causing incremental height changes to the rear grip of the firearm via the thread stud rotating inside the support rod as the tuning pad rests upon the shooting surface for targeting purposes; rotating the height locking wheel clockwise until the height locking wheel abuts the rear grip of the firearm; locking the height locking wheel and threaded stud in position at a desired height; firing the firearm at the target by pulling the firearm's trigger; rotating the height locking wheel counter-clockwise to unlock the height locking wheel; and removing the rear grip aiming support from the rear grip of the firearm using a nut on the support rod. 20: A method of shooting a firearm of claim 19, wherein integrating the rear grip aiming support into the existing rear grip screw hole and rear grip chamber of the firearm comprises: inserting the threaded screw into the rear grip chamber and rear grip screw hole; and screwing a proximal end of the threaded screw into the rear grip screw hole; wherein the threaded screw attaches the rear grip aiming support to the firearm; wherein the threaded screw further attaches the rear grip to the firearm. 